This London Irish “Possible XV” Is Mind Bogglingly Good

Although London Irish have some quality names in their current squad, the talent that has departed the side in recent years is bloody unbelievable. We’ve put together this XV of past and present London Irish players who are still playing to demonstrate just how good a team they could of had right now if they had kept hold of them (it’s also worth a look at the list of players who didn’t make the XV)…

15.Sean Maitland

The Scottish back was one of Irish’s marquee signings over the summer having become a mainstay in the Scotland side and toured with the Lions in 2013.

14.Anthony Watson

Unfortunately Irish never got to see Watson fulfill his potential as Bath snapped him up just as he was about to burst onto the international scene.

13.Delon Armitage

Like his two brothers, Armitage was a key figure for Irish before deciding to make the move over to France with Top14 giants Toulon.

12.Jonathan Joseph

Another young London Irish star who was snapped up by Bath just as he began to show promise – Joseph is now a key player in the England squad.

11.Marland Yarde

After having his best ever season for Irish that saw him make England take note, Yarde opted for a switch to Harlequins where he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.

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10.James O’Connor

O’Connor may only have been a fleeting visitor at Irish, however his impact was notable where he became a key figure in the side during his short stay.

9.Tomas O’Leary

The Ireland scrum half spent three seasons with Irish before opting to head back to Munster at the end of the 2015 season.

8.Steffon Armitage

Like his brother Delon, back rower Steffon spent his development years with Irish before opting for a big money move to the Top14.

7.Blair Cowan

Cowan has become a pivotal figure for London Irish over the last few years and has since broken into the Scotland squad.

6.Matt Garvey

Yet another London Irish player who opted to move on to Bath after becoming a key figure in a quality young team.

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5.Juan Manuel Leguizamon

The Pumas lock was with Irish between 2005-08 where he made 60 appearances before going on to become a key figure for Argentina.

4.Bryn Evans

The former All Black lock spent some time with Irish before opting for a move north to join up with Premiership side Sale Sharks.

3.Ben Franks

The World Cup winning All Black prop hasn’t made much of an impact yet as a result of injury, but could be vital in Irish’s battle against relegation.

2.Scott Lawson

The former Scotland hooker spent a season with London Irish before opting for a move north to Newcastle Falcons in 2013.

1.Alex Corbisiero

Injuries have somewhat hampered Corbisiero’s career, but in his prime he was a key figure for both Irish, The Lions and England before his move to Northampton.